Saturday, December 12, 2009

As you may know, at the 11th hour, a 5% Excise Tax on Elective Cosmetic Medical Procedures was slipped in the Senate Health Reform bill. This tax would be effective January 1st, 2010. This mandatory 5% tax would be collected from YOU, the patient, for any cosmetic medical procedure performed, non- surgical or surgical. Below are several facts pertaining to this tax:

86% of cosmetic surgery patients are working women and this 5% tax discriminates against these women.

New Jersey is the only state to adopt a tax on elective medical procedures in 2004. There, they have experienced a 59% shortfall based on projected revenue estimates.

The line between “cosmetic” and “reconstructive” surgery is often not clear and leaves the determination of medical necessity inappropriately up to state tax auditors

Dr. Anurag Agarwal was recently elected to be secretary/treasurer of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FSFPRS). He began his two year term in November 2009, and will thereafter become President of the FSFPRS for an additional two years.

The Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FSFPRS) is the official state organization representing facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons practicing in the state of Florida. FSFPRS members subscribe to a code of ethics that guides patient care.

Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I grew up in Washington, D.C., and I love the Washington Redskins. I gradually worked my way south to sunny Naples, Florida, and I love to spend time with my beautiful daughter. One of my passions is strenuous hiking and some mountain climbing.